The Manti-La Sal National Forest reopened the Babylon Burn Area on the Monticello Ranger District on August 20, 2026, following the 100% containment of the Babylon Fire. The reopening ends a closure order that was enacted on August 13, 2026, to protect the public from fire-affected areas and active suppression repair operations.
Fire Origin and Growth
According to a press release from the Manti-La Sal National Forest, the Babylon Fire, which originated on June 26, 2026, was caused by lightning or natural causes. The fire, located approximately 25 miles southwest of Monticello, Utah, grew significantly due to a combination of extremely dry vegetation, low humidity, and gusty winds across the region.
Containment and Current Conditions
The Babylon Fire grew to a size of 107,189 acres before reaching full containment. While the Monticello Ranger District is now open to the public, Forest Service officials cautioned that smoke may still be visible in isolated interior pockets of the forest and that personnel continue to work throughout the area.
Lifting of Closure Orders
The rescinded closure, identified as Order #04-10-26-05-06, had been in effect to protect visitors while crews performed suppression repair and addressed post-fire hazards. Forest Supervisor Barbara Van Alstine signed the rescission order on August 20, 2026, officially lifting the restrictions on the Monticello Ranger District.
Soil Severity and Environmental Impact
Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) specialists conducted field data collection to assess the impact of the fire on the landscape. A Soil Burn Severity (SBS) map produced by the BAER team on July 30, 2026, estimated that 51% of the fire area sustained moderate soil burn severity, while 5% sustained high severity.
Erosion and Land Risks
The BAER assessment further indicated that approximately 33% of the area experienced low soil burn severity, and about 12% of the fire area remained unburned or very lightly affected. High and moderate soil burn severity can alter physical, chemical, and biological soil properties, potentially increasing runoff and erosion, particularly on steep slopes. The BAER team uses these findings to predict post-fire erosion and identify risks to public safety, infrastructure, and natural resources.
Ongoing Fire Restrictions
Despite the reopening of the Babylon Burn Area, the entire Manti-La Sal National Forest remains under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, which were established on July 17, 2026. These restrictions are designed to reduce the risk of new wildfires during ongoing hot and dry conditions.
Prohibited Activities Under Restrictions
Under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, several activities are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal grills, wood stoves, and smoking outdoors. The restrictions also prohibit the use of chainsaws or internal combustion equipment for road work or wood gathering, as well as welding, grinding, or the use of open-flame torches. Additionally, driving or parking off designated routes is prohibited unless on bare ground within 10 feet of a route.
